Holiday apartment in Stráža: Nature, cycling routes and culture

Stráža lies on the eastern edge of the Žilina Basin, in the floodplain of the Varínka, and has a mountainous landscape. Water, forests, marked cycling routes and traditional culture are among the defining features of the village.

Landscape

The area around Stráža belongs to the Malá Fatra Protected Landscape Area and lies within its third level of protection. The Varínka protected area also extends into this landscape context: at the confluence of the mountain stream Branica and the Varínka, it forms a terrestrial corridor connecting the Krivánska Fatra with the Kysucká vrchovina.

Nature

The Varínka flows through Stráža. The river is a trout fishing water where fishing is possible. The nearby forests and the beautiful countryside around Stráža are suitable for hiking.

The Malá Fatra region is home to deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests, which support a wide variety of bird species. Thus, alongside the mountainous landscape, the description of the area also focuses on different forest types and a protected river corridor.

Cycling

The green-marked, 23.6-kilometre Gbeľany–Lysica–Varín cycling route climbs briefly to Strážov Hill, then descends to Stráža, passes through the village and continues to Dolná Tižina. The route connects several clearly identifiable sections: the short climb is followed by the descent to Stráža, before the route passes through the village and continues towards Dolná Tižina. Together with its stated length of 23.6 kilometres, this creates a cycling route whose course clearly shows both the change in elevation and the connection between several places. The sequence remains easy to follow.

The Žilina Dam–Terchová Cycle Highway also runs along the Varínka via Varín to Terchová. This cycling route is easy and safe and is suitable for families with children. Its route includes a system of 17 wooden bridges; in Stráža, it offers the opportunity to stop for ice cream.

The green-marked route 5472 Horný Vadičov–Lysica–Stráža–Krasňany leads as far as Stráža.

Culture

Every July, the municipality of Stráža organises the Gorazdove dni sports and cultural celebrations. Another special feature is the Božie muky chapel on the hill above Stráža. It is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and is a Classical-style building dating from the end of the 18th century.

The first written mention of Stráža dates from 1439 and appears in a deed of donation issued by King Albert. Regional tradition also holds that a variant of the folk costume worn in Terchová was worn in Stráža as well.

Getting there

Stráža can be reached by bus and car via a third-class road. The nearest railway station is Varín, located 7 kilometres from Stráža.

Other destinations

For your next look at other places, you can continue directly to Rajecke Teplice, Sillein, Belá, Dlhé Pole, Višňové, Teplička Nad Váhom, Terchová and Čičmany.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Žilina.